Galatians 1:18

Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.

Then {G1899} after {G3326} three {G5140} years {G2094} I went up {G424} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2414} to see {G2477} Peter {G4074}, and {G2532} abode {G1961} with {G4314} him {G846} fifteen {G1178} days {G2250}.

Not until three years later did I go up to Yerushalayim to make Kefaโ€™s acquaintance, and I stayed with him for two weeks,

Only after three years did I go up to Jerusalem to confer with Cephas, and I stayed with him fifteen days.

Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and tarried with him fifteen days.

Commentary

Galatians 1:18 describes a significant moment in the Apostle Paul's life after his dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus. Having spent time in Arabia and Damascus, he makes his first recorded visit to Jerusalem as a believer.

Context

This verse follows Paul's defense of his apostleship and the gospel he preached, emphasizing that he received it directly from Christ, not from men (Galatians 1:11-12). After his conversion and a period away, this visit to Jerusalem is his first interaction with the leading apostles there, specifically Peter. The "three years" likely refers to the time elapsed since his conversion or his departure from Damascus to Arabia and back to Damascus. Paul recounts this history to demonstrate that his initial ministry and understanding of the gospel were independent of the Jerusalem church leadership, thus validating his unique commission.

Meaning and Significance

Paul's purpose in going to Jerusalem was "to see Peter." The Greek word used here, historesai, can imply more than just a casual visit; it suggests getting acquainted with or making inquiry of someone notable. While he spent only fifteen days with Peter, this brief encounter was his first personal meeting with the chief of the apostles after his conversion. It served to establish a connection, though Paul stresses that he did not receive his gospel or authority from Peter or the other apostles in Jerusalem at that time (Galatians 1:19). This visit is crucial evidence in Paul's argument that his gospel was divinely revealed, not humanly taught, yet he still sought fellowship with the pillars of the church.

Key Themes

  • Paul's Independence: The delayed and brief nature of the visit supports Paul's claim of receiving revelation directly from God.
  • Apostolic Fellowship: Despite his independence, Paul valued connecting with other apostles like Peter.
  • Historical Defense: Paul uses this historical detail to defend the authenticity and source of his gospel against detractors.

Linguistic Insights

The word "to see" is translated from the Greek verb แผฑฯƒฯ„ฮฟฯแฟ†ฯƒฮฑฮน (historesai), which suggests a desire to become personally acquainted with, to learn from, or to visit for the purpose of observation or inquiry, rather than just a fleeting glance.

Reflection

This verse reminds us that while our faith and understanding of the gospel should be rooted in God's revelation (as Paul's was), there is also value in fellowship and connection with other believers and church leaders. Paul's brief visit to Peter shows that even those with a direct divine commission can benefit from interaction with the wider body of Christ, even if it's just for a short time. It underscores the balance between personal conviction and communal relationship within the Christian life.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 9:26

    And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

  • Acts 9:29

    And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.

  • Acts 22:17

    And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;

  • Acts 22:18

    And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.

  • Acts 9:22

    But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

  • Acts 9:23

    ยถ And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:
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